Lions lock Hyron Andrews dies in hotel on eve of La Rochelle match

The opening round of this season’s Investec Champions Cup has been rocked by tragedy, after the sudden death of a player for the Johannesburg Lions, ahead of their meeting with La Rochelle on Saturday.

Hyron Andrews was a second-row forward for the South African club, having joined from Sale Sharks during the summer.

The 31-year-old South African lined out against Leinster in the United Rugby Championship earlier this month, and previously played in the United Rugby Championshp and Super Rugby for the Durban Sharks.

According to French media reports emergency services were called to the Lions’ team hotel on Il de Re, near La Rochelle, shortly after 10am and attended to the player, who was in cardiorespiratory arrest, having been found unconscious in a shower block. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

The club have stated their Pool 2 clash with La Rochelle at Stade Marcel Deflandre will go ahead in honour of Andrews.

The Lions added: “Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go to Hyron’s wife, Maiglin, their young sons, and the entire Andrews family. We hold them in our thoughts during this time of unimaginable grief and ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn.”

The tragedy comes 10 years to the day since the sudden death of Munster coach Anthony Foley, on the day of a clash between his side and Racing 92 in Paris.

It is reported that La Rochelle coach Ronan O’Gara visited the Lions hotel to offer his condolences. The former Munster out-half was a coach for Racing 92 in 2016 when his former team-mate died.

The EPCR has confirmed that a moment of silence will be observed at every game in this week’s Champions and Challenge Cup games, as a mark of respect.